Oh, The Past

Sitting here thinking about the past year and looking forward into 2014, I find myself pondering: "What did I accomplish in 2013?" I didn't make a Steelhead trip, I didn't tie as many flies as planned and I didn't fish as much as I wanted. I did however get to watch my girls grow and grow closer as a family. Actually, now that I really think about it, they both grew quite a bit. We made two trips to Disney, a trip to Anaheim and a trip to Orlando. While in Orlando, my youngest (1 yo at the time) learned a new word..... Mickey! Now it's her go to word. Any time we're at home and just sitting around not doing anything it's always Mickey, Mickey, Mickey. My oldest (3 yo) is quite a little helper. She loves to help dad make breakfast, do the laundry, dust the house and feed the animals. They both are growing up so fast and I don't like it. Plus we are expecting our 3 child in late April and its going to be a little boy!

(Rossie)

 Also last year we found and adopted a Bernese Mountain Dog. She is an amazing dog and I look forward to have the opportunity to take her out fishing with me. Over all 2013 turned out to be quite a fun year. I wound up accomplishing quite a bit! But the best thing about the past year is I grew closer to my sweetheart of 6 years! Without her I wouldn't be where I am today.

I know I promised some tutorials in 2013 but I got swamped with getting things started for The Wyo Angler. Things like updating the blog, creating a Twitter account, creating a Youtube channel and creating a Vimeo account. In 2014 I'll be putting together some tying tutorials and "tips and tricks" for around the vise and on the water. I am looking forward to a great 2014 and hope that you have a Happy New Year!!

Till Next Time - Tight Lines

Egg Sucking Leech

As promised, I have been spending some time at the vise. Here's some of my variations for the egg sucking leech. (Feedback is greatly appreciated.) Sorry I haven't included a video for this but it will be coming. 

This version is tied with a black rabbit strip and a black marabou feather.

Hook: Mustad 9671 Size 6

Thread: Black 8/0

Tail/Body: Black Zonker Strip

Head: Red Egg

Collar: Black Marabou Feather

This version is tied with a black rabbit strip and black saddle hackle.

Hook: Mustad 9671 Size 6

Thread: Black 8/0

Tail/Body: Black Zonker Strip

Head: Red Egg

Collar: Black Saddle Hackle

Till Next Time - Tight Lines

An Early Christmas

A couple weeks back I seen my wife was on Gmail chat so I decided to talk with her. I asked her about my Christmas present this year. I posed the question: "Would it be cool I purchased my Christmas present this year?" Her immediate response was "What is it?". I then explained what it was plus the advantages it had compared to my current product. Little did she know I still had the biggest selling point sitting in my back pocket just waiting for the right time to spring it. It was going to be the price. It was unbeatable! Then all of the sudden, BAM! There it was, the question I was waiting for. "How much?" she says. I now know I have one shot to make the sale. I let it fly. I shared a price comparison to the price on website and how I would save about $300 bucks. Plus, I explained that there were a few extra items that would be included in the package. 

I did it! I made the perfect sales pitch. Now all I have to do is wait. So I sat and stared at my monitor for a moment awaiting the verdict......... Ticktock, Ticktock, Ticktock. Seconds felt like hours. Then it happened! "Sure" she said. "It's what you like to do during the winter." I couldn't believe what I was reading. It was all I could do not to jump out of my chair and run up and down the hallways yelling. Once I finally calmed down, I thanked her and I placed an email to the gentleman I was in contact with and committed to the purchase. About 3 days later it showed up at my door. My daughters and I ripped it open. It was like I was a kid again on Christmas morning. There it was, my very own Nor-Vise Fly Tying System. I have been looking at this vise for about two years. Searching Craigslist, KSL, Ebay and just about any site where things could be sold trying to find a deal. It was brand new and has never had a hook in the vise. Most of the components were still in the plastic wrapper.

Its now set up and producing flies. There is a slight learning curve associated with it since it's a rotary vise. The creator of the Nor-Vise, Norm Norlander includes a DVD with techniques on how to use it. I will start to share flies and videos once I have perfected the vise.

I would like to give a special thanks to my wife! She is by far the best friend and person I could ask for!

Update!

Last Friday we headed up to the hospital to find out what the baby will be. I was secretly hoping for another girl which would have made three but I was about to be disappointed. There on the ultrasound we counted three legs. The Doc said "Congratulations, you hare having a baby boy!"

Till Next Time - Tight Lines